Significance of Holy fire
Holy fire holds significant meaning across various contexts in Hinduism. It symbolizes spiritual transformation and purity, serving as a representation of divine presence during rituals. In Vedic practices, holy fire is integral to ceremonies like Homa and weddings, acting as a medium between the earthly and the divine. It is maintained throughout rituals, indicating the sacred nature of worship and offerings to deities. Across different philosophical and cultural frameworks, holy fire remains a powerful symbol of devotion and spiritual elevation.
Synonyms: Sacred flame, Divine fire, Blessed fire, Spiritual fire, Consecrated fire
In Dutch: Heilig vuur; In Finnish: Pyh盲 tuli; In Spanish: Fuego sagrado; In German: Heiliges Feuer
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Holy fire'
In Hinduism, "Holy fire" signifies a sacred element in rituals, representing purity, divine presence, and commitment, particularly in marriage ceremonies and spiritual rites, and serves as a vital connection between the earthly and divine realms.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Holy fire is a fire that blazed in order during the raising of a golden litter, part of the funeral rites.[1] (2) Holy fire is what the hermits' had laid, and its smoke was seen to streak the pure heaven.[2] (3) Holy fires are part of the topics that Vashishtha and the prince wanted to learn about from the hermits.[3] (4) This represents the sacred flames that are kept burning in the temples, as well as a place of worship.[4] (5) A sacred flame used in religious rituals, symbolizing purity and devotion.[5]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Referring to Agni, the god of fire, associated with purity and offerings made during sacrifices.[6] (2) A central element in the sacrificial rites where Saunaka, the master, is said to be attending.[7] (3) The fire maintained during rituals that symbolizes purity and divine presence.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) A fire that is considered sacred and used in religious rituals.[9] (2) The sacred fire maintained in Hindu rituals believed to be a medium between the earthly realm and the divine.[10]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A symbolic reference indicating the sacredness of the act of installation, akin to a religious ceremony.[11] (2) A ritual fire used in vedic rituals, significant for offerings made by sages and participants in sacrifices.[12]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) A fire that was set ablaze as part of the rituals during the wedding sacrifice.[13] (2) A sacred flame used in rituals, particularly Homas, reflecting purity and concentration during sacrifices.[14]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A sacred symbol representing power and reverence in religious rituals.[15]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Sacred flames that glowed gently, representing purity and the divine presence during the birth.[16]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Refers to the spiritual flames associated with rituals, representing the sacredness and purity of worship.[17] (2) The sacred flames associated with Vedic rituals, emphasizing the holiness and spiritual practices occurring in Tiruvallaval.[18]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A symbolic representation of spiritual transformation that impacts the individual who engages in study despite comfort.[19]
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) A sacred flame ignited during the opening ceremonies, symbolizing purification and divine presence.[20]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) A significant ritual element symbolizing divinity and purity, often honored through offerings and libations in ceremonies.[21]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) Symbolizes the divine essence and transformation, associated with the sacred rituals and spiritual attainment.[22]
The concept of Holy fire in local and regional sources
Holy fire signifies a sacred flame embodying purity and spirituality, serving as a purifying force in art, a metaphor for divine inspiration in Yeats's work, and symbolizing truth in the context of Zarathustra's teachings.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A metaphorical element in Yeats's poetry representing divine inspiration and purification.[23] (2) A fire that is considered sacred and is kept burning perpetually, symbolizing purity and spiritual significance.[24] (3) A sacred flame representing divinity, transformation, or a sense of spirituality.[25] (4) A purifying force that transforms the base desires and images into elevated spiritual expressions in art.[26]